Many Bezels are crafted from gold or silver, which is a relatively soft metal, and thus susceptible to scratches. The bezel of a Watch takes the brunt of many hard knocks. In addition a Bezel can deteriorate in sunlight and chlorinated water. Rolex has created a Bezel able to withstand scratches, and deterioration by using an extremely hard ceramic material called yttrium-stabilized zirconia. This material is the same dentists use for tooth crowns. This ceramic material has a hardness of 1200 Vickers which accounts for a whole slew of corrosion-resistant properties:
- Its color is not affected by ultra-violet rays.
- It is virtually scratch-proof. (”Proof” is a word not often used by watch companies as no material is completely “scratch proof” or “water-proof”. Usually the word “resistance” is preferred. However, Rolex in its advertising campaign in regard to the Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II Bezel used the word “proof”. Therefore Rolex must have complete confidence in this Bezel material.
A bezel of this hardness challenges the inscription process, as inscriptions need to “scratch” this virtually “scratch-proof” material. Rolex has patented a unique process to inscribe the Bezel.
The numerals are carved in the Bezel before it hardens at 1500 °C. After this process, cathodic magnetron sputtering, covers the entire Bezel with a thin layer of gold or platinum, atom by atom. The Bezel is then polished, permanently leaving the precious metal in the numerals. This entire process takes 40 solid hours. Once the process is complete, the polished look of the watch will remain forever.
Source: watchdigest.com
Rolex Watches Watches are extremely renowned all over the world for their superior quality, lasting durability and spectacular design. They will absolutely add elegance and style to your look.
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